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DELIVERED BEFORE 



THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY 



SECOND TUESDAY OF FEBRUARY, 1620 



BY DAVID ilOSACK, M. D. 



PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY. 



KEW-YOTiK: 

?B1NTED BY C. S. VAN WINKLE, PBINTER TO THE UNIVETiSITr, 

No. 101 Greenwich Street. 



1820. 



/9Z 



\ 



INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 



Gentlemen, 

Memhers of the JVew-York Historical Society. 

While I acknowledge with gratitude the honourable 
distinction you have conferred upon me, I beg leave to 
assure you, that I accept this station, and enter upon its 
duties, with great humility. To this, the mind cannot be 
insensible, that appreciates the objects for which this institu- 
tion was founded — the high respectability which it has at- 
tained under the auspices of those who have hitherto pre- 
sided, and the duties which remain to be performed, in the 
fulfilment of the high expectations which the patronage of 
the state, and the liberal contributions of the friends of this 
association, have justly excited. 

Allow me, for a moment, to mingle my feelings with 
yours, in calling your attention to the important services 
which have been rendered to the Institution, by those who 
have preceded me in this chair, and to acknowledge the 
obligations which they have imposed on their fellow mem- 
bers, and upon the community. 

The honourable Egbert Benson, the first President of 
the New-York Historical Society, may be justly regarded 



as its father and founder. While he presided over its des- 
tinies, and conducted it through the stages of its infancy, 
his exertions were unremitting, and liis benefactions hberal. 
To found and organize an association like our own, is al- 
ways a task accompanied by many obstacles ; but to per- 
petuate its existence — to unite the zealous and active exer- 
tions of its members, requires the incessant anxiety and at- 
tention of its patrons. Some content themselves with the 
gratification of giving origin to a society, and then aban- 
don it to the rude sport of neglect and accident ; it belongs 
to enlightened, ardent, and vigorous minds, to conduct it 
along through paths of di/Iiculty, until it secures a perma- 
nent and elevated character. Posterity will unite their 
gratitude with ours, for the unwearied eflbrts, and the 
laudable example, displayed in the official conduct of our 
first President. 

Under the presidency of that accomplished scholar and 
eminent statesman, the late Gouverneur Morris, this So- 
ciety also received a great accession to its fame and useful- 
ness, not only by the lustre of his talents, the elevated cha- 
racter which he sustained in the republic, and the public 
services which he had rendered at home and abroad, but by 
the constant devotion of his time to the interests and honour 
of his native land. His public discourses and communica- 
tions, in which he was ever obedient to your call, will re- 
main among the lasting literary monuments of the nation, 
and his name will find a place on the brightest page of 
her history. His family, since his decease, have not 
been unmindful of that attachment which he ever cherished 
and expressed in behalf of this Institution. By their libe- 
rality, and for which they deserve the warmest acknowledg- 
ments of gratitude, some of the most valuable coins and 



medals of his cabinet, besides other donations, have been 
presented to this society. 

Unconnected as I am by political ties with his successor 
i\\ office, his Excellency De Witt Clinton, I trust that I 
shall not invade the sphere of party politics, when I notice 
the exertions and liberality which he has manifested in be- 
half of this Institution. To him we are largely indebted 
for much of its present prosperity. In his legislative capa- 
city, he exerted his influence in promoting its interests, and 
eventually succeeded in obtaining the passage of the law, 
containing a grant of twelve thousand dollars. His agency 
in obtaining this donation was conspicuous. In addition 
to his literary labours, which the Society will ever appre- 
ciate with pride and satisfaction, his contributions have 
been numerous and valuable. And allow me to add, that 
upon declining a re-election, he requested that the Society 
might be assured of his warm and unremitting attachment 
to its welfare and reputation. There is reason to expect, 
that at some future day, additional and important services 
and donations may be received from our late respected Pre- 
sident, whose zeal in elevating the character of his native 
state, is duly proportioned to the abiUties, the learning, and 
the fidelity, which he has ever evinced in her service. 

But, gentlemen, while we thus do homage to those who 
have filled the highest stations in this Society, we cannot 
be insensible to the great debt of gratitude which is due to 
another member of this association.* I need not here re- 
count his long-continued and disinterested services. While 
the bond that unites us exists, they must continue to be re- 
collected with grateful emotions. Nor have his exertions 
been confined to this Institution alone ; they have been ex- 

" John Fintard, Esq. 



tended to most of the literary and benevolent associations 
which have recently exalted the character of our city. 
Those services can never be forgotten — they will live in 
the recollection of a grateful community, and will be the 
frequent theme of future eulogy. 

To promote the object of this Institution, is the duty of 
every individual n:ember, but especially of those who are 
invested with its honours. 

I trust 1 shall not make an unreasonable demand upon 
your patience, if I make use of the present occasion to call 
your attention to some objects which, although they have 
fallen within the views of our Institution, have not been re- 
garded in a manner correspondent to their importance. 

The library of this Society particularly claims our no- 
tice. A classification of the numerous and valuable works 
of which it is composed, so as to render them more easy of 
research, appears to be much wanted ; and it is essential, 
that the great mass of Tracts and Pam.phhts should be as- 
sorted, bound, and have a place in the catalogue. It can- 
not be expected, that the gentleman* who holds the station 
of Librarian, can conveniently, with his numerous other 
avocations, devote the time that may be required for this 
duty. You will, perhaps, think it expedient to add to the 
standing committee of the Society, or to institute a distinct 
library committee to assist in these arrangements, as well as 
to afford their counsel in whatever may appertain to the 
augmentation and direction of that department. 

To obtain every work connected with American history 
and literature becomes daily more important, as the United 
States rise in the estimation of the world. Our national 
character is becoming more elevated — our resources more 

* Tlie Kev. BIr, Ecliucffer. 



ihe subject of admiration— and our political institutions a 
source of remark and speculation in every civilized nation 
of the globe. Hence, the incidents of our early history — 
the struggles which we passed through in the incipient 
Stages of national existence, and the virtues which we dis- 
played in scenes of trial and suffering, will constitute a 
theme of anxious inquiry. To supply, by every possible 
means, the works necessary to complete our colonial his- 
tory, therefore, demands our earnest exertions. Never 
should our researches cease or become languid, until every 
thing is accomplished within the bounds of industry and 
munificence, to supply the deficiencies of this department. 
It should also be a great consideration to preserve whatever 
may illustrate the national, civil, literary, medical, and eccle- 
siastical history of our country. Already our legislative 
acts, and judicial decisions, and, I believe, almost every 
historical treatise, are deposited in our library. These con- 
stitute the basis upon which every future historian must 
erect his structure j but it must be strikingly apparent, that 
in the infancy of our literature, newspapers, magazines, 
and pamphlets, are frequently the only printed evidences of 
pubhc transactions ; and although they are too often the 
organs of faction, and the vehicles of private malignity and 
disappointed ambition, they are the depositories of valuable 
knowledge, and form a partial commentary on the passing 
events of the day. Our collections, in this respect, are 
already highly respectable ; and I beg leave to suggest the 
expediency of adopting such measures as may ensure to us 
every journal, magazine, review, and every other publica- 
tion in this state. I would recommend an application to 
the proper authorities, in laudable imitation of the practice 
of Great Britain to her celebrated Museum, and of France 
to her Academy, to secure us a copy of every work printed 



8 

in the state, to be placed on the shelves of our library. 
Altliough, individually, many such productions are fugitive 
and comparatively insignificant; still, collectively, they 
contribute to sho\v " the form and pressure of the times," 
and serve to convey to posterity the literary character, the 
prejudices, the passions, and even the follies of the age. 

Tlie cabinet of coins and medals, in consequence of the 
recent liberal donations from the heirs of the Rev. Dr. 
KuNZE, deceased, in connection with the contributions of 
the members of the Society, and the additions received from 
other sources, has attained a very respectable eminence, 
and is, probably, at this time, equal in value to any other 
collection in the United States. At this early period of our 
national existence, it is pre-eminently important to procure 
and preserve, as opportunities may offer, every medal that 
commemorates great public occurrences, in military and na- 
val achievements. Never should we forget, that the recol- 
lection of momentous and illustrious events in the annals of 
mankind — exalted instances of valour and fortitude — and 
brilliant acts of individual prowess and virtue, have found 
their way to after generations, through this imperishable 
channel. These types and emblems of glory, have survived 
tlie ravages of time and revolution, and brought to light 
facts of interest and magnitude in the chain of history, when 
the states and empires in which they were struck, have slum-; 
bered in the dust for ages, and the mausoleum and the trium- 
phal column lost their form, grace, and beauty. It is to be 
regretted that this subject excites so little consideration in 
the infancy of our Republic, when every thing touching our 
national fame is so keenly and universally felt. The march 
of nations is before us, and the gloomy night of darkness 
and ignorance that obscures their paths, to the eyes of pos- 
terity, may one day envelope our own, however bright the 



sun of civilization may now beam upon us. If we would 
hold up the mirror of history, let us not forget our duty to 
ourselves, as well as to other times. 

A committee on coins and "medals having been some time 
since appointed to complete the arrangement, and to pre- 
pare a catalogue of the cabinet, it is presumed this duty has 
been performed, or is nearly accomplished, especially as 
such catalogue will form an important item in the next 
volume of our Collections. 

Your Hall, gentlemen, is ornamented with a portrait of 
the founder of this cabinet, and you have designated the 
collection by his name— yet more is required ; and allow 
me to express the desire we all cherish, that a biographical 
memoir of that learned professor and divine, be prepared 
under the auspices of this Society. 
'^'''^Connected with this subject, I suggest for your conside- 
ration, how far it may conduce to the accomplishment of 
one of the objects of this Society, to increase the number 
of the portraits of the eminent men of our country, parti- 
cularly of the first settlers of this state, and the founders of 
the republic. 

By such means we shall be able to give additional aid to 
the Fine Arts ; they deserve, and should receive, more of 
our encouragement and support. It also occurs to me, that 
it may be productive of benefit to this Society, to appoint a 
committee for the express purpose of soliciting and collect- 
ing copies of American engravings, as well to illustrate our 
national history by the portraits of its heroes, its public 
Characters, important events, and the scenery of our coun- 
t»if, as to preserve and perpetuate specimens of the graphic 
art, wVich, though of modern introduction in the United 
States, has attained a degree of excellence that is little in- 
ferior to that of the old world. 

2 



10 

The Society has been singularly fortunate in the nature 
and extent of its manuscript collection of facts and docu- 
ments relative to the war of our revolution — some papers 
on that era of our national character remain yet to be 
gathered. 

The recent war declared by Congress, in 1812, has af- 
forded several historical works of unequal merit. Besides 
these compends, and others more extensive if they exist, it 
is the duty of the Historical Society of this State, to pro- 
cure, as far as it is practicable, every original document on 
this subject. New-York was, in an especial manner, the 
scene of action ; some of the most momentous events oc- 
curred in this state, and we owe it to ourselves to possess 
at least a portion of the original materials for the future 
historian. 

Another subject deserves the attention of our Society. 
Considering the eventful age in which we live — the mighty 
geniuses which it has exhibited — and the extraordinary cha- 
racters to which it has given birth, but few authentic biogra- 
phies have been put on record. While the events in which 
distinguished men have participated are fresh in the recol- 
lection, and the anecdotes of their lives are familiar to their 
cotemporaries, great opportunities are afforded for correct 
portraits of character. Already has negligence in our own 
state suffered many interesting incidents in the lives of her 
early heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, to sink into obli- 
vion. Indeed, while we allow these services and merits to 
remain unrecorded, we have little right to complain that 
foreign nations have done us injustice. No refutation of 
their calumnies can prove more effectual, than a fair exhibi- 
tion of the virtues and talents of our illustrious men. ^ 

Among those who have served the state, with their *-'oni- 
raanding talents, but without any monument of our grati- 



11 

tude, the late Lieutenant Governor, Cadvvallader D. Col- 
den; the late Vice-President, the venerable George Clin- 
ton ; the late Samuel Jones, and the Right Rev. Bishop 
Provost, have the highest pretensions to consideration. 
Although the first has secured to himself the permanent re- 
membrance of posterity, by his invaluable history of the 
Five Nations, his correspondence with Dr. Franklin, and 
his medical disquisitions, yet no one has traced his various 
services to the Commonwealth, during an administration 
distinguished for important events, and scenes of danger 
and responsibility. The civil and military career of the 
late George Clinton holds forth a noble and fertile subject 
for the pen of genius and eulogy. His sagacity, his valour, 
his fortitude, and more than all, his stern unbendinrr integ- 
rity, ofier an example worthy to be retained in the temple 
of Fame, among tiie models of aucient virtue. Whoever 
shall trace out his acts in the cabinet and in the field, and 
draw the faithful picture of his character, will expand the 
lustre of a great name, contribute to the celebrity of the 
state, and to the honour of the nation. When such a man 
arises on the theatre of public life, it is to guide and to 
save ; and if there be talent or power to perpetuate the 
memory of his deeds, a proud and enlightened people should 
never slumber over an apathy that is daily consigning thera 
to neglect. 

I rely on the testimony of others, when I speak of the 
eminent legal talents of the late . Samuel Jones : com- 
mon consent has indeed assigned him the highest attain- 
ments in jurisprudence, and the appellation of the Father 
of the New-York Bar. He justly ranked among the most 
profound and enlightened jurists of this or of any other 
'country ; and acted a useful and conspicuous part in or- 
ganizing our courts and judiciary system, in this state, 
after the close of the revolution. His industry, his purity 



1<0 

1 .w 

of character, antl his extensive acquirements, present an 
inspiring example to the young candidate for future re- 
nown. It is also to be earnestly hoped, that the evidence 
of the varied learning and elegant literature of the late 
Bishop Provost, whose life embraces much of the early his- 
tory of the Church, will not rest on the oral testimony of 
his cotemporaries ; but that some gentleman of congenial 
feelings and pursuits may be selected, who will assume the 
task of making them known to posterity. 

The Cabinet of Natural History belonging to this Socie- 
ty was first established in 1816. At that time no other 
public institution existed in this city, for the collection and 
classification of the objects of this department of know- 
ledge, or for obtaining the mineralogical and other natural 
productions of the United States. Since that period, the 
Lyceum of Natural History has been organized ; and, 
under the auspices of its learned and efficient President,* 
supported by the zeal of its young and active members, has 
acquired character and reputation, and promises to be emi- 
nently useful in the cultivation of this branch of science. 

Under these circumstances, it merits our consideration, 
how far the benefit that was contemplated by the Historical 
Society, in the erection of this department of Natural His- 
tory, will not be more essentially and completely accom- 
plished by the Lyceum, and whether the proposed transfer 
of the Cabinet will not prevent collision in our labour, and 
by concentrating the objects in view, promote the interests 
of science, and advance the respectability of the New-York 
Institution.! 



* Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill. 

^ Since Ihc delivery of tbis Addi'Css, the object here suggested has been 
carried into operation. 



13 

I feel it my duty here to <5uggest the propriety of institu- 
ting' a gold or silver medal for the best topographical and 
statistical account of the differeii counties of the state. In 
the memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sci- 
ences, there are accounts of several counties m that staVe, 
particularly one by that late learned and distinguished theo- 
logian and scholar, Dr. Dwight ; and I cannot deem it un- 
becoming the dignity of our Society, to imitate the raerito- 
rious example of our eastern brethren. If, howevei\ con- 
trary to all expectation, this suggestion should prove 
unsuccessful, through the opposition of the ignorant, or 
the evil minded, for the Bohon Vjpaz is not exclusively 
the product of Java, vigorous exertions to the same purpose 
should not be spared to obtain the aid and co-operation of 
active members in different sections of the state. Every 
thing touching the power and resources of a^.y section of 
the immense empire on this side of the Atlantic, over which 
millions of freemen are diffusing civilization, arts, and re- 
finement — every thing calculated to reveal moral and phy- 
sical strength, is eminently entitled to attention. It gives 
confidence, and imparts enterprise at home ; it inspires ad- 
miration, and commands respect in foreign countries. 

The setdement of the western counties of this state is so 
recent, that many of the original settlers are still living, 
from whom may be easily procured every fact of importance. 
The state of New-York was once the residence of a tribe 
of Indians, by far the most distinguished of any who have 
been known on this continent. Their manners, their histo- 
ry, and above all, the monuments of art which they liave 
left behind them, invite the attention of all those who delight 
to contemplate the native, moral, and intellectual character 
of our species. The most enlightened nations have, by 
direct effort, encouraged such inquiries. 



14 

The statistical views of and of Ireland, have 

been read or heard of )r • ^ late Emperor of France 

had nearly compleied su jy of his dominions on a 

^ntic scale, a' nglish nation are now in the suc- 

nrosec ^ similar design. 

'' A a third volume of the collections of 

this ^ ,- j^ears to be loudly demanded. It is with 

son:,.^ |. - 1 observe, that this Institution has existed up- 
war^? -> sixteen years, and that only two volumes of its 
tran <ns and papers have appeared, whilst the Histori- 
cal 1 ■ it-ry of Massachusetts, in little more than the same 
perioi bi time, has published no less than sixteen volumes. 
Thi tl^ficiency on our part, cannot have arisen from 
lack o erials, but from the want of patronage, for our 

shelve; >d in rare printed tracts, and in manuscripts of 

great A f every member of this Society would enter 

into an obligation to purchase a copy of each volume of its 
transactions as it may appear, the price of which would be 
amply remunerated by the value of its contents, the Society 
would be enabled, by this security alone, to publish an 
annual volume of its papers and communications. 

This measure would not only be the means of preserving 
important documents from oblivion, but at the same time 
would direct that attention to the history of our own coun- 
try, which is now in a great degree devoted to that of mo- 
dern Europe, or to a classical and critical acquaintance 
with that of Greece and Rome. 



FINIS. 















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